Brighten and soften skin this fall with Epsom salt

Jessica Padykula is a freelance writer and editor in Toronto, Canada covering a wide range of topics for several online lifestyle publications. She is a regular contributor for SheKnows, covering travel, style, relationships, health and...

Easy, DIY fall beauty

As we head into fall, you might want to pick up some Epsom salt. Beauty experts say it can help brighten and soften skin after a sun-soaked summer, and what better time to put your best face forward than at the start of a brand new season? Read on for some easy, DIY skin-softening secrets from skin care pros.

Simple skin saver

Celebrity skin care guru Ole Henriksen says you should exfoliate to rev up circulation, facilitating the elimination of toxins or impurities that may be trapped in the skin. There's really no better way to freshen up your complexion for fall. In addition to detoxification, Henriksen says, exfoliation leaves the skin luminous, smooth and soft in texture, and it also helps removes any excess dead skin, allowing for better absorption and easier application of skin care products.

He shares his recipe for an at-home skin resurfacing treatment called the "Shower smoothie."

Mix the Epsom salt and coffee grounds in a medium bowl, then add the oils and stir thoroughly until you have a smooth but not runny paste.

Get in the shower, get wet and turn off the water. Use the entire palm of each hand to vigorously scrub your body for several minutes, from your neck to your feet.

Afterwards, just rinse and glow. Your skin will feel smooth, and you'll notice an immediate lifting and constricting of the skin. Sounds good to us!

"Epsom salt has amazing detoxifying properties and melts into the skin when activated by ingredients in my recipes," Henriksen says. "The texture of Epsom salt is firm, yet very smooth to the touch. This makes the exfoliation process comfortable for all skin types."

Relax and refresh

Cosmetologist Linda Ashbrook of the Golden Door Spa suggests soaking in Epsom salt for 20 minutes to relax tired muscles and soften the skin. Add a few drops of aromatherapy oil, such as lavender or frankincense to make it more relaxing, then use a rich moisturizer afterward to further soften the skin. The Epsom salt -- which is actually magnesium sulfate -- helps retain moisture, eliminate toxins and relieve stress, Ashbrook says.

"With our skin being the largest organ, it absorbs and uses nutrients applied topically," Ashbrook explains. "As most people are deficient in magnesium, taking an Epsom salt bath is the easiest way to restore this mineral to the body."

To soothe your complexion, Ashbrook advises making a quick and easy facial mask while in the bath. Here's how:

What you need: 1 tablespoon each of Epsom salt, honey and olive oil (for oily skin add a few drops of lemon juice)

Leave on for five to 10 minutes.

Rinse in a warm shower to wash away any impurities that have been drawn out from the Epsom salt.